the merits of rabi’-ul-awwal
TRANSCRIPT
i
ربیع الاول کی خوبیاںRabi’-ul-Awwal ki Khoobiyan
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
THIS booklet was written by Shaykh-e-Tareeqah, Ameer-e-
Ahl-e-Sunnah, the founder of Dawat-e-Islami ‘Allamah
Maulana Abu Bilal Muhammad Ilyas Attar Qadiri Razavi
����� ��� ����� �� �� �� �� � ����� ���� in Urdu. Translation Department (Dawat-e-
Islami) has translated it into English. If you find any mistake in
the translation or composing, please inform the Translation
Department on the following postal or email address with the
intention of earning reward.
Translation Department (Dawat-e-Islami)
Aalami Madani Markaz, Faizan-e-Madinah, Mahallah Saudagran,
Purani Sabzi Mandi, Bab-ul-Madinah, Karachi, Pakistan
UAN: ☎ +92-21-111-25-26-92 – Ext. 7213 Email: � [email protected]
www.dawateislami.net
ii
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal The English translation of ‘Rabi’-ul-Awwal ki Khoobiyan’
�
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Copyright © 2020 Maktaba-tul-Madinah
No part of this publication may be reproduced, or transmitted, in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise, without the prior written permission of Maktaba-tul-Madinah.
1st Publication: Safar-ul-Muzaffar, 1442 AH – (Oct, 2020)
Translated by: Translation Department (Dawat-e-Islami)
Publisher: Maktaba-tul-Madinah
Quantity: -
SPONSORSHIP
Please feel free to contact us if you wish to sponsor the printing of a religious
book or booklet for the Isal-e-Sawab of your deceased family members.
Maktaba-tul-Madinah
Aalami Madani Markaz, Faizan-e-Madinah Mahallah Saudagran,
Purani Sabzi Mandi, Bab-ul-Madinah, Karachi, Pakistan
� Email: [email protected] – [email protected] ✆ Phone: +92-21-34921389-93 � Web: www.dawateislami.net
www.dawateislami.net
iii
��� �� �� ��� � � ���� �� ����� ��� �� ������ �� ����� ������ �� ��� ��
� ������ ��� � �!�
����� �� �"���� ����
� �#��� �$� �% �!�
���� &��' (�� �
�&��) �����' &� ��%��* �+,� �-
������ �$�- ������ �!������ �.���' * �+, �/
������ �$0���
Du’a for Reading the Book
ead the following Du’a (supplication) before you study a
religious book or an Islamic lesson, you will remember
whatever you study, � ���������� ������ :
ش متك وان
ينا حك
هم� افتح عل
�لل ا
رامك�ل وا
ينا رحتك يـا ذا ال
عل
Translation
O Allah ���� �! ��"�#! Open the door of knowledge and wisdom for us,
and have mercy on us! O the One Who is the Most Honourable
and Glorious! (Al-Mustatraf, vol. 1, pp. 40)
Note:
Recite Salat upon the Holy Prophet $ once before and after
the Du’a.
R
www.dawateislami.net
iv
Table of Contents
Du’a for Reading the Book ...................................................... iii
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal 1
Du’a of Attar ..................................................................................... 1
Virtue of Salat upon the Prophet $ ........................................... 1
The Significance of Rabi’-ul-Awwal .............................................. 2
The Reason behind calling it ‘Rabi’-ul-Awwal’ ........................... 2
The Reason for Rabi’-ul-Awwal’s Greatness ................................ 3
Interesting facts about Monday ..................................................... 3
The time of his birth ........................................................................ 4
A night greater than the night of power (Layla-tul-Qadr) ......... 4
How should we spend Rabi’-ul-Awwal? ....................................... 5
Make an announcement ................................................................. 6
Excerpts from Attar’s letter ............................................................ 6
The nawafil of Rabi’-ul-Awwal ...................................................... 9
Neighbourhood of the Prophet $ in paradise .......................... 9
The Fast of 12 Rabi’-ul-Awwal ..................................................... 10
Fasting to Express Gratitude over a blessing.............................. 10
Reward of 1000 years’ worship .................................................... 10
www.dawateislami.net
v
Wazaaif for beholding the Prophet $ ..................................... 11
A Wazifah for remaining happy .................................................. 13
The purpose of the Mawlid .......................................................... 14
The Benefits of Mawlid ................................................................. 15
Dawat-e-Islami and Mawlid Celebrations.................................. 17
13. Intentions for Celebrating the Mawlid ................................. 19
www.dawateislami.net
1
1 ������� ���� ��� � � � ��� �� ����� ����� ������ �� ����� ������ �� 1 ��� ��
������� ��� � �!�
��� �� �� �"����
,� �- ������ �$�- ������ �!������ �.���' * �+, �/
������ �$0�����#��� �$� �% �!�
����&��' (�� �
�&��) �����'&� ��%��* �+
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
Du’a of Attar
O Allah Almighty, enrich with the blessings of this meritorious
month and forgive without accountability the one who reads
or listens to the 20-paged booklet ‘The Merits of Rabi’-ul-
Awwal’.
� � �لن��� �لا� �ج��ہ � علي� و�ل� وسلمم���� �م���� �� � ص�
Virtue of Salat upon the Prophet $ The Final Prophet of Allah ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* has said: ‘Whoever
recites Salat 10 times in the morning and 10 times in the
evening, my intercession will definitely reach him on the Day
of Judgement.’ (Attargheeb Wattarheeb, vol. 1, p. 261, Hadees 29)
Shafa’at karay hashr mayn jo Raza ki
Siwa tayray kis ko yeh qudrat mili hay
بيب ال
وا *
, مم�د صل
* صل� ا�1
www.dawateislami.net
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
2
The Significance of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
Dear Islamic brothers, Rabi’-ul-Awwal is the third month of
the Islamic year. This month is a compilation of virtues and
honours, for it is the month in which the one sent by Allah
Almighty as a mercy to the universe, the prophet with many
praiseworthy characteristics, the Seal of Prophethood
���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �*, arrived in this world. Hence, this month
received all the virtues and honours because of the birth of the
Holy Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �*.
Sayyiduna Imam Zakariyya Bin Muhammad Bin Mahmood
Quzwayni ���� ��( ���� ���� +� �, �- states: ‘This is the month in which Allah
Almighty has opened the doors of virtues and honours upon
the people of the world for the sake of His Final Prophet’s
���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* blessed being. It was on the 12th of this month
that the Messenger of Allah ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* was born.’ (‘Ajaaib-ul-
Makhluqat, p. 68)
Rabi’-e-pak tujh per Ahl-e-Sunnat kyun na qurban hoon
Keh tayri barween tareekh woh jaan-e-qamar aya
(Qabalah-e-Bakhshish, p. 37)
بيب ال
وا *
, مم�د صل
* صل� ا�1
The reason behind calling it ‘Rabi’-ul-Awwal’
Dear Islamic brothers, Rabi’, i.e. springtime, is the season
between the hot and cold season. The Arabs would call the
beginning period of spring ‘Rabi’-ul-Awwal’. Flowers and
www.dawateislami.net
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
3
mushrooms would grow during this season. The season in
which fruits would grow was called ‘Rabi’-ul-Aakhir’. When the
months were named, based on the names of these two seasons,
the two months ensuing Safar were called Rabi’-ul-Awwal and
Rabi’-ul-Aakhir respectively. (Lisan-ul-‘Arab, vol. 1, p. 1435)
The reason for Rabi’-ul-Awwal’s greatness
What can be said about the greatness of Rabi’-ul-Awwal! Had
the Holy Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* not arrived in this world, then
no Eid would have been Eid, neither would any night have
been the Night of Bara`at [Salvation]. In actual fact, all of the
world’s liveliness and joy is for the sake of the dust of the feet
of the Holy Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �*. The 12th of this month is a
date of immense virtues and greatness. This date is the Eid of
Eids for the devotees of the Prophet. (Lataaif-ul-Ma’arif, p. 104;
Mawahib-ul-Ladunniyyah, vol. 1, p. 75)
Sahab-e-Rahmat-e-Baari hay barween tareekh
Karam ka chashmah-e-jaari hay barween tareekh
(Zauq-e-Na’t, p. 121)
بيب ال
وا *
, مم�د صل
* صل� ا�1
Interesting facts about Monday
Dear Islamic brothers, as well as Monday holding significance
due to it being the day that our beloved Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �*
was born, this day also holds significance due to many other
www.dawateislami.net
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
4
reasons too. Sayyiduna Abdullah Bin Abbas . ��/��# ��� ���� � �0�-, who
was a companion and the son of a companion, mentions that
the Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* was born on Monday, announced
his Prophethood on Monday, migrated from Makkah al-
Mukarramah on Monday, entered Madinah al-Munawwarah
on Monday, passed away on Monday and also laid down Hajar
al-Aswad on Monday. (Musnad Ahmad, Musnad Abdullah Bin Abbas,
vol. 1, p. 594, Hadees 2506) According to one narration, victory in
the battle of Badr was also granted on Monday. (Mu’jam Kabeer,
vol. 12, p. 183, Hadees 12984)
The time of his birth
The famous Hadees scholar Hafiz Muhammad Bin Abdullah,
famously known as Ibn-e-Nasir-ud-Deen Dimashqi ���� ��( ���� ���� +� �,�-, writes: ‘The correct position is that the Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' ��! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* was
born at the time of dawn, and this is the view that the scholars of
Hadees have deemed authentic.’ (Jami’-ul-Aasaar, vol. 2, p. 757)
Qurban ay do shanbah tujh per hazaar jumu’ay
Woh fazl tu nay paya subah-e-shab-e-wiladat
Piyaray Rabi’-ul-Awwal tayri jhalak kay sadaqay
Chamka diya naseeba subah-e-shab-e-wiladat
(Zauq-e-Na’t, p. 96)
A night greater than the night of power (Layla-tul-
Qadr)
The respectable scholars have explicitly stated that the night in
which our Beloved Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* was born is greater
www.dawateislami.net
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
5
than the Night of Power. Sayyiduna Shaykh Abdul Haq
���� ��( ���� ���� +� �, �-, the Hadees scholar of Dehli, writes: ‘The night in
which the Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* was born is undoubtedly
greater than even the Night of Power.’ (Ma-Sabat Min-us-Sunnah, p.
100)
Sayyiduna Allamah Abu Abdullah Muhammad Bin Ahmad
Marzooq Tilmasaani ���� ��( ���� ���� +� �, �- wrote a book on the topic of the
night of the Prophet’s ��) �*���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� birth being greater than
the Night of Power by the name of تين فى شرف الليلتين It .جنى الجن
speaks of the virtues of both nights and contains evidence of
the night of the Prophet’s birth being superior.
Woh jo na thay to kuch na tha wo jo na hoon to kuch na ho
Jaan hayn woh jahan ki jaan hay to jahan hay
(Hadaiq-e-Bakhshish, p. 178)
بيب ال
وا *
, مم�د صل
* صل� ا�1
How should we spend Rabi’-ul-Awwal?
Dear Islamic brothers, love for the Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* is the
foundation of belief, and a sign of love is to remember one’s
beloved in abundance. A narration states: ‘ کره ئامن احب ش� کثر من ذ ا ’
i.e. Whoever loves someone, he makes mention of him in
abundance.’ (Jami’-us-Sagheer, p. 507, Hadees 8312) Generally
speaking, we should praise the Holy Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* and
express our love for him through our speech and actions
throughout the whole year. However, particularly in the month
www.dawateislami.net
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
6
of Rabi’-ul-Awwal, to show gratitude for such a great blessing
of Allah Almighty, we should often make mention of the
Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �*. This remembrance can be in various
forms, such as sending Salat upon the Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �*,
reciting Na’t, speaking of his greatness, holding a Mawlid
gathering (according to Shari’ah whilst being mindful of the
rights of local residents, passers-by and the rights of people in
general), participating in such a gathering, etc. All of these
forms are ways of remembering the Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �*.
Hence, all these things should be part of our schedule in the
month of Rabi’-ul-Awwal.
Make an announcement
On the night when the moon of Rabi’-ul-Awwal is sighted,
make the following announcement inside the Masjid three
times: ‘Many congratulations to all Islamic brothers and
sisters, the moon of Rabi’-ul-Awwal has been sighted.’
Rabi’-un-Noor umeedon ki dunya saath lay aaya
Du’aon ki qaboliyyat ko haathoon haath lay aya
بيب ال
وا *
, مم�د صل
* صل� ا�1
Excerpts from Attar’s letter
Note a few Madani pearls from Ameer Ahl-us-Sunnah,
‘Allamah Maulana Muhammad Ilyas ‘Attar Qaadiri Razavi
Ziyai’s ���� ��� ����� �� �� �� ���1 ����� �������� booklet entitled ‘The Dawn of Blessings’:
www.dawateislami.net
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
7
1. Out of happiness for Rabi’-ul-Awwal, place flags inside
Masajid, homes, shops, cars, and your localities. Display
[decoration] lights and have at least 12 [decoration] lights
inside your home.
2. Music is played in some places out of joy for Rabi’-ul-
Awwal; this is a sin according to Shari’ah.
3. Proceed in playing a Na’t, but do so in a low volume
whilst being mindful not to disturb anyone who is
worshipping or sleeping, or an ill person, etc. Also take
into consideration the Azaan and the timings of Salah.
(Do not play a eulogy recited by a woman)
4. It is impermissible to decorate the streets and wave flags
in a way that creates problems for the Muslims passing by
and driving by.
5. For women to come out amongst non-Mahram men
unveiled to see light displays is Haraam and shameful.
Even for the women who properly cover themselves to
come out in the manner that we see today, whereby they
mix amongst men, is extremely unfortunate.
6. The beloved Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �*, who will have us
sinful people forgiven by our Lord, would celebrate the
day of his birth by fasting on Monday. In remembrance of
him, you too should observe a fast on 12 Rabi’-ul-Awwal.
7. On the eve of 11 Rabi’-ul-Awwal, or on the night of 12
Rabi’-ul-Awwal, perform Ghusl. If possible, out of respect
for this Eid of Eids, buy a new set of your necessary items.
www.dawateislami.net
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
8
8. In celebrating the Mawlid, do not do anything that
violates the rights of people.
9. Out of celebration for the Mawlid, all Islamic brothers
and Islamic sisters should intend on spending their life
according to the Sunnah.
10. Display lighting out of happiness for the Mawlid;
however, contact the electricity suppliers to display
lighting through permissible means.
11. Throughout the [Mawlid] procession, remain in a state of
Wudu for as long as possible and be mindful of offering
Salah in congregation.
12. Distribute books, booklets, memory cards, etc. of
Maktaba-tul-Madinah in large numbers. When
distributing food, fruit, etc., place them in people’s hands
instead of throwing them. It is disrespect for them to fall
on the ground, scatter around and be trampled over.
Provocative slogan-chanting can cause a peaceful
procession to disperse. Your own betterment lies in
remaining peaceful. If, Allah forbid, some kind of stones
are pelted, do not become enraged and retaliate, as this
may cause the procession to disperse and result in the plot
of the enemy being successful.
Ghunchay chatkay, phool mehkay her taraf aayi bahar
Ho gayi subah-e-baharan Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi
(Wasail-e-Bakhshish, p. 465)
www.dawateislami.net
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
9
For further details, refer to the booklet, ‘The Dawn of Blessings’
– www.dawateislami.net
بيب ال
وا *
, مم�د صل
* صل� ا�1
The nawafil1 of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
Dear Islamic brothers, offering Nawafil is also an excellent way
of attaining proximity to Allah Almighty and obtaining His
pleasure. The noble figures of Islam �� �, �-��� ���� � would offer
Nawafil abundantly in addition to obligatory (Fard) and
compulsory (Wajib) Salah.
Neighbourhood of the Prophet $ in paradise
With the intention of conveying its reward as a gift to the soul
of the Holy Prophet � �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �*���� �%�! �� �' � �! �� , offer 20 units (Rak’at) of
Nawafil on 12th Rabi’-ul-Awwal. Recite Surah Al-Fatihah
followed by Surah Al-Ikhlas (احد .times in each unit 21 (قل هوا$
A particular individual would always act upon this, and he saw
the Holy Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* in his dream saying, ‘I will take
you to Paradise with me.’ (Jawahir Khamsa, p. 21)
Bagh-e-Jannat mayn jawaar apna ‘ata farma do
Khuld mayn her ghari jalwah mayn tumharah daykhon
بيب ال
وا *
,دص صل مم�
* ل� ا�1
1 Supererogatory Salah
www.dawateislami.net
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
10
The fast of 12 Rabi’-ul-Awwal
Fast on 12 Rabi’-ul-Awwal, because fasting on the day that the
Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* was born is expressing gratitude for
Allah Almighty’s blessing; there is a lot of reward for this. The
Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* himself would fast on every Monday
and celebrate the day of his birth, as Sayyiduna Abu Qatadah
��/��# ��� ���� � �0�- states: ‘The Prophet �� � �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �*� was asked about
fasting on Monday and he said, ‘I was born on this day and
revelation was sent to me on this day.’ (Muslim, p. 455, Hadees
2750)
Fasting to express gratitude over a blessing
There is no doubt that through the blessing of the Prophet’s
�*���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) arrival, the benefits and virtues of this world and
the hereafter had been perfected. Also, by virtue of this
blessing, the religion of Allah Almighty that He chose for His
people was perfected too. Accepting this religion is the cause
for people gaining honour in this world and the hereafter. To
fast on a day in which Allah Almighty’s blessings descend on
His people is a great act. (Lataaif-ul-Ma’arif, p. 107)
Reward of 1000 years’ worship
To pay gratitude for this great blessing of Allah Almighty,
perform Nafl (i.e. optional) acts of worship in abundance
during this sacred month. It is stated in Jawahir-e-Ghaybi: ‘The
one who fasts on 12 Rabi’-ul Awwal attains the reward of 1000
years of worship. Moreover, one also gains immense amount
www.dawateislami.net
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
11
of reward for fasting on the 5th, 16th and 26th Rabi’-ul-Awwal.
(Jawahir Ghaybi, p. 617)
بيب ال
وا *
, مم�د صل
* صل� ا�1
Wazaaif2 for beholding the Prophet $
1. Recite Salat [upon the Prophet] in abundance in Rabi’-ul-
Awwal. It is superior to recite the following Salat a
thousand times each day from the 1st of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
to the 12th:
لل1م صل .- سيدنا محمد ن ا الا3 له وبارک وسلم ال6بى و .- ا
Whoever recites this Salat and sleeps in a state of Wudu
will ��� ���������� ���� behold the vision of the Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' ��! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �*.
(Islami Mahino kay Fazaail-o-Masa’il, p. 37)
Mujhay ya Nabi! Tayri deed ho, tayri deed ho mayri eid ho
Tujhay jis nay daykha hazaar bar! Usay phir bhi tishnah labi rahi
(Wasail-e-Bakhshish)
2. Whoever recites the following Salat 1125 times after Isha
Salah every day of this month will ��� ���������� ���� definitely
behold the Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* in his dream:
2 Wird or Wazifah (plural form is Awraad and Wazaaif) means a set of sacred
and blessed words recited usually in a fixed number for having spiritual or
physical benefits.
www.dawateislami.net
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
12
براهيم لل1م صل .- محمد و .- ال محمد کما صليت .- ا ا
جيد نک حميدم براهيم ا و.- ال ا
(Rukn-e-Deen, p. 164)
Nabi ki deed hamari hay eid ya Allah
‘ata ho khuwab mayn Deedar-e-Mustafa ya Rab!
(Wasail-e-Bakhshish)
3. If someone recites the following Salat
لام .ليک يا رسول ا$ لوت والس لص ا
125,000 times in this blessed month, he will be honoured
with beholding the Prophet’s �*���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) vision. (Rukn-e-
Deen, p. 164)
Kabhi to mujhay khuwab mayn mayray Maula
Ho deedar-e-mah-e-‘arab ya Ilahi
4. A devotee of A’la Hadrat, ‘Allamah Shah Muhammad
Rukn-ud-Deen ���� ��( ���� ���� +� �, �- writes: ‘When the moon for
Rabi’-ul-Awwal is sighted, offer 16 units of Nafl [i.e.
supererogatory] Salah in the sets of two. After Surah Al-
Fatihah, recite ‘احد three times in each unit. When ’قل هوا$
16 units have been offered, recite this Salat 1,000 times:
www.dawateislami.net
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
13
لل رحم ن 1م صل .- محمد ا الا3 ة ال6بى وبرLبحته ا$
Continue reciting this for 12 days and you will behold the
beloved Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* in your dream. However,
recite this after Isha Salah and sleep in the state of Wudu.’
(Rukn-e-Deen, p. 164)
Madani Pearl: It is necessary for those who desire to behold
the Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' ��! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* that they eat halal, speak the truth,
adopt the Sunnah and sleep in the state of Wudu. (Islami Mahino
kay Fazaail-o-Masa’il, p. 37 summarised)
Deedar kay qaabil to nahin chashm-e-tamanna
Laykin woh kabhi khuwab mayn ayen to ‘ajab kaya
بيب ال
وا *
, مم�د صل
* صل� ا�1
A Wazifah for remaining happy
Whoever recites the following words on 12 Rabi’-ul-Awwal
will remain happy throughout the whole year. It is also
narrated that he will enter Paradise without accountability.
Those words are as follows: حيم حمن الر الر ,(times 7) بسم ا$ 7) يا ا$
times), يا رحمن (7 times), ياغفور (7 times), يا رحيم (7 times), ان يا حن
(7 times), يا منان (7 times), يا ديان (7 times), يا سبحان (7 times).
(Jawahir Khamsa, p. 101)
Dear Islamic brothers, our beloved Prophet �( ��� ���� ��) �*���� �%�! �� �' ��! ��� �� � is a
great blessing and mercy of Allah Almighty. To celebrate upon
www.dawateislami.net
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
14
receiving the Lord’s mercy and to make mention of His
blessing is a command of Allah Almighty Himself, as stated [in
the Quran]:
�� �2�34� �56
�7�' 58 �9 �- ���' �� : * �� -�;
< ����) �=��
> �?
�) ! AB� �C &� � D ��E F �G� � �H �IJKL
Say you (O Beloved), ‘Only Allah’s Bounty and His Mercy; and
only upon it they should rejoice.’ That is better than all of their
(accumulated) wealth. [Kanz-ul-Iman (translation of Quran)] (Part 11, Surah Al-Yunus, Verse 58) �=��' � �M �� �N�' &
� �%�� �� F O �� �P�QRSSL
And publicise well the bounty of your Lord. [Kanz-ul-Iman (translation of Quran)] (Part 30, Surah Al-Duha, Verse 11) ��� � ��� 2� �. �3�� ��� Muslims all over the world act upon this Quranic
command by holding gatherings of Mawlid in which the
preferable and notable acts of mentioning the Prophet’s
���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* birth and his virtues are carried out.
Wiladat-e-shah-e-deen her khushi ki baa’is hay
Hazaar eid say bhaari hay barween ki tareekh
(Zauq-e-Na’t, p. 122)
بيب ال
وا *
, مم�د صل
* صل� ا�1
The purpose of the Mawlid
O devotees of the Prophet, the gatherings of Mawlid is from
amongst the greatest of the preferable and virtuous acts. (Al-Haq-
www.dawateislami.net
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
15
ul-Mubeen, p. 100) Sayyiduna ‘Allamah Abdul Rahman Bin Jawzi
���� ��( ���� ���� +� �, �- states: ‘The disgracing of Satan and the strengthening
of the believers lies in celebrating the Mawlid.’ (Subul-ul-Huda
Wal Rashad, vol. 1, p. 363)
Sayyiduna Imam Jalal-ud-Deen Abdul Rahman Suyuti
���� ��( ���� ���� +� �,�- states: ‘The one celebrating the Prophet’s ���� �%�! �� �' ��! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �*
Mawlid earns reward, for this entails respecting the Prophet
�! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �*���� �%�! �� �' � and expressing joy upon his birth. To show our
gratitude upon his birth, it is Mustahab [i.e. preferable] for us
to conduct gatherings, feed others and carry out other such
acts of goodness. In summary, illustrate joy and felicity.
(Al-Hawi lil Fatawa, vol. 1, pp. 222-230)
Rahay ga yun hi un ka charcha rahay ga
Perhay khak ho jayen jal janay walay
بيب ال
وا *
, مم�د صل
* صل� ا�1
The benefits of Mawlid
Those who celebrate the Mawlid receive countless religious
and worldly blessings from Allah Almighty. Sayyiduna Imam
Ibn al-Jawzi ���� ��( ���� ���� +� �, �- says: ‘The one expressing joy and
happiness upon the Mawlid will find this to be a barrier
between [him and] Hell. Whoever spends a single dirham out
of happiness for the Mawlid will receive the Prophet’s
���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* intercession, and Allah Almighty will give him
10 dirhams in return for one. O Ummah of the Prophet
���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �*, glad tidings unto you! You have been deemed
www.dawateislami.net
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
16
worthy of receiving tremendous goodness in this world and
the hereafter. The one who celebrates the Mawlid of the
Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' ��! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* will reap blessings, respect, goodness
and honour. He will enter Paradise whilst wearing a pearled
turban and green attire.’ (Majmu’ Lateef-ul-Unsi, p. 281)
Sayyiduna Imam Ahmad Bin Muhammad Qastalani ���� ��( ���� ���� +� �,�- states: ‘From the oft-observed benefits of conducting a Mawlid
gathering during Rabi’-ul-Awwal is that, that particular year
remains one of safety and wellbeing. May Allah Almighty send
mercy upon the one who makes the nights of Rabi’-ul-Awwal into
Eid.’ (Al-Mawahib-ul-Ladunniyyah, vol. 1, p. 78)
Shaykh Muhaqqiq Sayyiduna Shaykh Abdul Haq, the Hadees
scholar of Delhi, asserts: ‘Muslims have always held gatherings [of
Mawlid] in the month of the Prophet’s ���� �%�! �� �' ��! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* birth and
offer plenty of charity in its nights. Due to the blessings of this act,
these people experience all sorts of blessings. From the specific
experiences of a Mawlid gathering is that its participants remain
safe all year round, and there are glad tidings for the fulfilment of
their needs and the accomplishment of their goals. May Allah
Almighty shower many blessings upon the one who makes the
day of Mawlid into Eid.’ (Ma-Sabata Min-al-Sunnah, p. 102 selected)
Noor ki phohar barsi char so hay roshni
Ho gaya ghar charaghan eid milaad-un-nabi
Char janab dhoom hay sarkaar kay milaad ki
Jhomta hay her musalman eid milaad-un-Nabi (Wasail-e-Bakhshish, p. 379)
www.dawateislami.net
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
17
بيب ال
وا *
, مم�د صل
* صل� ا�1
Dawat-e-Islami and Mawlid celebrations
��� � ��� 2� �. �3�� ��� Dawat-e-Islami, the Madani movement of the Prophet’s
devotees, has its own unique way of celebrating the Mawlid.
On the night of the Prophet’s ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* Mawlid, Dawat-e-
Islami organises magnificent events across many countries all
over the world. A huge gathering takes place at the global
Madani Markaz, Faizan-e-Madinah, Karachi. What can one
say of its wonders! Many of its fortunate participants
experience a Madani revolution in their lives. One particular
devotee of the Prophet said the following: ‘On the night of
Mawlid Al-Nabi �� �' ��! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* ���� �%�! , a few of us Islamic brothers
were present at Kakri Ground, Karachi, where Dawat-e-Islami
organised perhaps the largest Mawlid gathering in the world to
take place on the night of 12 Rabi’-ul-Awwal. During a
conversation, one Islamic brother said, ‘Dawat-e-Islami’s
Mawlid gatherings used to be very awe-inspiring, but things
are not the same anymore.’ Hearing this, another responded,
‘My friend, you are mistaken here. The vibe of the Mawlid
gathering is the same, but it is the state of our hearts that has
changed. How can the Prophet’s ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* remembrance
change? It is our mindset that has changed. Even today, if we
were to listen to the praise of the Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* whilst
immersing ourselves in envisaging his beauty instead of
making baseless complaints, ��� ���������� ���� there will be immense
blessings.’ The objection raised by the first brother was
www.dawateislami.net
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
18
irresponsible and caused by Satan; it could have caused us to
find the gathering boring and go home, resulting in being
deprived from the Mawlid gathering. However, the response
given by the second brother was one to embrace, for it
awoke the conscience and repelled Satan. His response
penetrated my heart and urged me to go and sit in the
middle of the gathering. There, I sat amongst the Prophet’s
devotees and was absorbed in listening to the Prophet’s
��� � �% �! �� �' � �! ��� �� �� ( ��� ���� � �) �* praise. The blessed time of dawn drew near,
and all the Prophet’s devotees stood to welcome the dawn of
blessings. A state of spiritual ecstasy overcame the
gathering. The sound of ‘Marhaba’ echoed everywhere.
Salutations were being presented in the court of the Prophet
��� � �% �! �� �' � �! ��� �� �� ( ��� ���� � �) �*. Tears were flowing; people were weeping
everywhere. I too felt overwhelmed. These sinful eyes of
mine saw pleasant droplets descending everywhere; it was as
though the whole gathering was being showered with mercy.
I closed my eyes and, envisaging the Prophet
� �� ( ��� ���� � �) �*��� � �% �! �� �' � �! ��� � , was reciting Salat. Suddenly, the spiritual
sight of my heart was unveiled, and I speak the truth in
saying that the one whose birth was being celebrated, that
very beloved Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' ��! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* blessed me with his beautiful
vision. ���� ��� 2��. �3�� ��� Beholding the Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' ��! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �* brought
tranquillity to my heart. The brother was correct in saying
that the Mawlid gathering organised by Dawat-e-Islami is as
awe inspiring as ever before, rather, it is our state that has
changed. If we remain focussed, the Prophet ��� � �% �! �� �' � �! ��� �� �� ( ��� ���� � �) �*
blesses people with his vision even today.
www.dawateislami.net
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
19
Aankh wala tayray jooban ka tamasha daykhay
Deedah-e-kor ko kya aye nazar kya daykhay
Koi aaya paa kay chala gaya, koi umr bhar bhi na paa saka
Yeh baray karam kay hayn fayslay yeh baray naseeb ki baat hay
بيب ال
وا *
, مم�د صل
* صل� ا�1
13. Intentions for celebrating the Mawlid
1. Acting upon the Quranic command,
T. �=��' � �M �� �N�' &��%�� �� F O �� �P
�QRSSL
And publicise well the bounty of your Lord. [Kanz-ul-Iman (translation of Quran)] (Part 30, Surah Al-Huda, Verse 11) I will greatly publicise the greatest blessing of Allah
Almighty.
2. To seek the pleasure of Allah Almighty, I will display
lights.
3. Emulating the act of Sayyiduna Jibraeel 4 �5� ��6��� ���� �� ���# hoisting
three flags on the night of the Prophet’s ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �*
birth, I too will wave flags.
4. By fervently celebrating the Mawlid, I will illustrate to the
non-Muslims the greatness of the Prophet ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( ��� ���� ��) �*.
(Seeing lights and green flags in many homes will
certainly lead non-Muslims to conclude that Muslims
have great admiration for their Prophet.)
www.dawateislami.net
The Merits of Rabi’-ul-Awwal
20
5. As well as apparent decorations, I will purify my inner-
self as well by repenting and seeking forgiveness.
6. I will participate in the Mawlid gathering on the night of
11 Rabi’-ul-Awwal to reap the blessings of the Prophet’s
��� ���� ��) �* ���� �%�! �� �' � �! ��� �� ��( remembrance.
7. Likewise, to achieve the same, I will also participate in the
Mawlid procession on the day of the Mawlid.
8. I will behold the religious scholars during the procession.
9. I will behold pious people during the procession.
10. I will attain the blessings of gaining proximity to the
Prophet’s devotees.
11. Throughout the Mawlid procession, I will remain in the
state of Wudu as much as possible.
12. I will not miss the congregational Salah of the Masjid.
13. I will “distribute booklets” during the Mawlid procession
according to my ability. (i.e. I will distribute Maktaba-tul-
Madina’s booklets, etc. in the Mawlid procession).
O Lord of Mustafa, give us the ability to wholeheartedly
celebrate the Mawlid with good intentions, and for the sake of
the Mawlid, grant us entry in Jannat-ul-Firdaus without
accountability.
Bakhsh day ham ko Ilahi! Bahr-e-Milaad-un-Nabi
Namah a’maal ‘isiyan say mayra bhar poor hay
(Wasail-e-Bakhshish, p. 477)
www.dawateislami.net